GEF SGP’s work in SIDS featured at the SIDS Inter-Regional Preparatory Meeting in Barbados

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September 30th, 2013

The Inter-Regional Preparatory Meeting (IPM) for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took place From August 26 - 28, 2013 in Bridgetown, Barbados.  The goal of meeting was to allow for all three SIDS regions to present their regional outcomes, debate, and agree on the SIDS positions and priorities to bring to the global process leading up to the SIDS Conference.

In response to an invitation from the Government of Barbados, the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) showcased their work at the SIDS Inter-Regional Preparatory Meeting to a global audience through an Exhibition entitled “The Impact of the GEF SGP in the pursuit of Sustainable Development in SIDS”.

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The exhibition featured the work of SGP in SIDS including videos, publications and posters showcasing the results of SGP projects. Videos were displayed on demand as an audio visual journey into SGP projects that have contributed to sustainable development in SIDS within the Caribbean region. Through brochures, newsletters, and leaflets SGP highlighted both the global and regional impact of SGP supported projects on SIDS.  The GEF SGP Focal Area Corner was a visual display of posters about the results of SGP on the main focal areas of the GEF.

During the course of the three day exhibition, the SGP booth received several visits including Mr. Crispin Gregoire Chief of the Caribbean Strategic Monitoring and Support Unit of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

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Many visitors to the booth expressed interests in knowing more about the programme and projects. Some of the international conference delegates inquired about the participation of their home country in the programme while Caribbean delegates were pleased to see the inclusion of information from their islands in the display. Overall our visitors to the exhibition where impressed with the substantive work the SGP has been able to achieve at the local level within SIDS.

Background for editors

About the GEF

The GEF unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. An independently operating financial organization, the GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.

Since 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $11.5 billion in grants and leveraging $57 billion in co-financing for over 3,215 projects in over 165 countries. For more information, visit www.thegef.org.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

Launched in 1992, GEF SGP supports activities of nongovernmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.

Since its creation, GEF SGP has provided over 16,500 grants to communities in over 125 developing countries. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, GEF SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Media contacts:

• Ana Maria Currea, KM and Communications Specialist, GEF SGP, ana.maria.currea@undp.org , 646-781-4353
• Christian Hofer, Senior Communication Officer chofer@TheGEF.org, (202) 458-0938 www.TheGEF.org